From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11th to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States. Many Americans refer to Patriot Day as 9/11 or September 11th. Everyone worldwide was affected by this tragic terrorist attack.

Four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001. The hijackers then deliberately flew three of the planes into two important buildings; the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The fourth crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The loss of life and damage that these hijackings caused form the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks and left an immense impact on our economy.

On the direction of the President, the Flag of the United States of America should be displayed on the homes of every American, the White House and all United States government buildings worldwide. The flag should be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect to those who died on that day.

Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, and schools and businesses do not close. Public transit systems run on their regular schedules. Many people observe a moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time). This marks the time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center.

September 11th changed more than the skyline of New York City. The attacks changed a generation of Americans, our military and our world. That day’s destruction and devastation did not condemn this country to a future filled with fear. Rather, this loss -- as profound as it was -- made us stronger as a Nation. That day fortified Americans with pride and patriotism and created a spirit of service in the hearts of a new generation. Fundamentally, that day changed our nation and our Army for the better. We now observe Patriot Day annually on September 11th as a National Day of Service and remembrance for the thousands of lives lost in these attacks.